That holiday companies are really taking the ....

[Ineedchristmascake]

I have never started one of these before and I am sure it has been done to death but...

For 4 nights at Centre Parks in February half term it costs roughly £750!!

The week before half term it costs roughly £250!!

That is a difference of £500

Its not just CP but they are the worst example I have found so far.

Many holiday cottages are hiking up the prices by £200 or so.

I am sorry if some people might find this boring but I find it very upsetting.

We are told not to take our kids out of school in term time and this is what we are up against.

Is there anything that anyone can do about it.

Like everyone else, more or less, has said: it's supply and demand. They could just charge a flat price year round, but then fewer would people would go in off peak times.

Why don't you try Butlins? I have just got a quote for 4 nights (Skegness) Monday to Friday half term, bed, breakfast and evening meal in Gold accom all in for myself and my son for £200.

I know, Butlins may not be seen as 'middle class' as Centreparcs, but you don't have all the additional costs for activities that you do at Centre Parcs and it is bearable for 5 days and I hate to admit it, but my son loved it when we went last. He went to soccer school every day, tried archery, did loads of arts and crafts and loved the shows. The premium dining food wasn't bad either.

Btw - well done for not wanting to take your kids out of school in term time - makes a refreshing change to see someone on here who thinks that education is more important than a cheap 2 week holiday sat by a pool.

Its crap, we are off in term time for that very reason.

Personally I think if schools just allocated each kid a week off in term time per year we could all have a nice cheap family holiday, and I doubt it would affect schooling/exams/results one bit.

In the meantime, we have waved goodbye to CP breaks...

lovely x-post, Lucy

I think both are important.

Thanks lucy, I am not looking for middle class.

I just happened to see how much dearer CP was in half term, I did mention that others were hiking their prices to.

Butlins sounds good I will have a look at it. Thanks.

Sorry though I am not anti term time hols, I try not to do it too often but our week in the summer in devon [camping] will be in term time.

No, I think the weather in Europe will be similar to UK in Feb. Actually we aren't too worried about getting lost. It's only just over an hour from the Ferry port to the site and we have EU satnav. (It has saved our marriage many times over)

Actually, even though I'm a teacher I do understand why parents take their children on holidays in term time, especially at primary school. It irks a bit more at secondary level, because either the child has loads to catch up on their return, or the parents ask for work they can take with them on holiday. I heard of one parent being fined (£50 IIRC) and she just said "We'll I've saved over £500 so that's great thanks - I'll take the fine". What can the Head say to that?

midweek 13-17 February 5 day/4 night break for a family of 4 at a Center Parc in Belgium or Netherlands or northern France from £180. Ferry crossings from £50 return. It's a bargain if you live in south east England.

www.centerparcs.com/EN/GB/book_holiday

It is a bargainnatation, sadly we do not own passports so its out for us.

Glad I started this thread now somebody might get a cheaper hol and I am sorted now too.

Happy I know quite a few people who take that attitude about the fine.

Lucky for me Dd2 finishes her GCSE's around the end of June and Dd3 is yr 4 so I have no probs with taking them in early July.

What my kids gain from camping in a beautiful part of Devon on the edge of Dartmoor they can't possibly get from a classroom in a big city.

Oh yes, passports are expensive too! Our passports are due for renewal this year and I've worked out it would cost us £250 for the whole family!